2025-2026 Regular SessionDelaware Legislature

HB53: An Act To Amend Title 26 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Telecommunications Service And Devices For Persons Who Have Deafness, Hearing Loss, Or Speech Disabilities.

Legislative Summary

This Act broadens the scope of a special fund administered by the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing that provides telecommunications assistance to Delaware residents who have deafness, hearing loss, or speech disabilities related to deafness or hearing loss. This Act authorizes the office to provide residents with assistive devices that facilitate communication or provide users with information pertaining to emergencies. It also authorizes the Office to employ individuals to administer the program, provide education, and manage program resources. This Act adds restrictions on how money in the Fund may be spent and requires a three-month reserve be maintained to ensure financial solvency of the Fund.

Bill History

3/6/2025
Introduced and Assigned to Technology & Telecommunications Committee in House
3/11/2025
Reported Out of Committee (Technology & Telecommunications) in House with 3 Favorable, 4 On Its Merits
3/12/2025
Amendment HA 1 to HB 53 - Introduced and Placed With Bill
3/18/2025
Amendment HA 1 to HB 53 - Passed In House by Voice Vote
3/18/2025
Passed By House. Votes: 36 YES 5 ABSENT
3/18/2025
Assigned to Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology Committee in Senate
3/26/2025
Reported Out of Committee (Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology) in Senate with 6 On Its Merits

Roll Call Votes

House Third Reading
3/18/2025
36
Yea
0
Nay
0
Not Voting
5
Absent
Result: PASSED